2 m a p s • v o l u m e X I I n u m b e r 1 • s e x , s p i r i t , a n d p s y c h e d e l i c s 2 0 0 2

“…the Drug Revolution has combined with the Sexual Revolution to bring forth amazing progeny. Chiefly, what has happened… can be described—paradoxically—as an upsurge of interest in the nonphysical side of sex. …The mysterious nonphysical part of sexuality is variously known as ‘mind,’ ‘spirit,’ or ‘emotion.’” –

HEN we first invited comment on the topic Some folks in the “drug community,” such as the MAPS of this special issue, we heard from one member quoted above, don’t seem to be comfortable with a W MAPS member who asked: “Why, for forum that discusses drugs and sex. Interestingly, we found heaven’s sake, Sex? …I do not think this is a good idea. A special while doing research on spiritual approaches towards issue just on and psychedelics can be rich enough. I have sexuality, that some in the “Tantra community” are con- nothing against sex—believe me—but I would leave it elsewhere.” versely uncomfortable discussing sex and drugs. Many of We were a bit surprised by this attitude. Is the topic of these folks do incorporate drug use into their sexual prac- sex taboo? Does it make people shyly smile? Should it be tices. However, they feel as though public acknowledgment avoided, from fear of being seen as “sensationalistic?” (We or advocacy of drug use may bring additional unwelcome have to wonder why it is all right for prime-time American attention to a group of people that “straight society” already TV to broadcast numerous shows that depict violence and sometimes has problems accepting. Charles Hayes’ recent hate, but showing the act of physical love is seen as a bad book Tripping, contains an interview with Terence McKenna, thing.) wherein Terence summed up the connection quite well: Indeed, an issue on just spirituality and psychedelics “The French term for orgasm as a little death [petite mort] is could be rich enough. And, as we quickly learned from the an acknowledgment that orgasm is boundary-dissolving. In that influx of material, an issue on just sex and psychedelics could sense, sex is the drug that most people are able to access. There’s a also be rich enough. But there is a clear connection here, that wonderful saying in Italian: ‘Bed is the poor man’s opera.’ Most stems from our original theme issue on “.” people arrange their lives so they can have sex, so they can have this For many, the primary creative function of “spirit” is incredibly fleeting, brief moment when it all falls away. Drugs do humanity—God created man in his own image. And while this same thing and for longer periods, so they gather to themselves God may have pulled a rabbit out of a hat, the echo of the same attitudes and anxieties that surround sex.” this act is when the rabbit has died. It’s an easy argument Humankind has long been searching for the ultimate that the most primary creative function of is to make aphrodisiac. Psychedelics have been touted as “love tonics,” other humans. Sex makes us like gods, in our ability to create. and in some cases this love is expressed in the physical realm But what does it all have to do with psychedelics? of sexuality. These substances have also been useful tools for Just as psychedelics can allow one to experience a people on a spiritual path. Sex, spirit, and psychedelics “oneness with God,” so too sex can evoke a similar oneness. certainly aren’t strangers; anecdotes of one viewing his or Bodies meld and barriers are crossed in emotional, physical, her partner as Goddess or God during sex while high on and spiritual ways. And when a child is born, it is a creative psychedelics have commonly been reported. manifes